Smith's career day included a career-best 16 points and career-high 11 rebounds in 29 minutes of play. He added two assists and took two key charges on defense in the second half for the Little Giants to maintain their lead in the final period.
Wabash jumped out to a seven-point lead in the first four minutes of the game, only to see the Big Red battle back to take a 16-15 lead with 12:04 remaining in the first half. Wabash regained the lead at 21-20 with just under seven minutes remaining in the first period on a three-pointer from center Ryan Short (Indianapolis, IN/Perry Meridian). After watching Denison tie the game at 23-23, the Little Giants went on a 16-6 run over the next six minutes. The scoring run began with a Smith three-pointer, giving him 11 points in the first half.
"Ryan's points and rebounds were great, but the job he did on defense was tremendous," said Wabash head coach Mac Petty. "He's worked hard all week with (Wabash assistant) Coach Mulligan to improve his defensive effort. He took the two charges and switched on the defensive end at the right times."
The Little Giant defense was tested inside in the first half as 16 of Denison's 32 halftime points came in the paint. Wabash kept the Big Red out of the paint in the second half.
After trading baskets in the first four minutes of the second half, the Little Giants used their own inside game game, along with quick defense, to increase the lead. Wabash went inside on the offensive end of the floor, finding Short underneath for a basket and free throw. On the next trip down the floor for Denison, junior guard Kip Chase (Bedford, IN/Bedford North Lawrence) created a steal and drove the length of the floor for a layup and a foul. Chase missed the free throw, unfortunately not an uncommon event for Wabash in the game. The Little Giants hit on 19-of-35 free throws for 54-percent in the game.
The Little Giants kept the lead at double-digits throughout most of the second half to earn their second conference win of the season.
Short tied his career-high in scoring with 20 points to lead Wabash. Junior guard Brady Claxton (Shelbyville, IN/Shelbyville) had 17 points, along with Smith's 16.
Wabash (3-4, 2-1) will be back in action on Saturday afternoon at Franklin College. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.